Getting ready for the Fourth

Fireworks

While parades, picnics and concerts are traditions, for many people, it’s not the Fourth of July without a grand fireworks display. For a list of celebrations, see page XXX.

Keeping pets safe

Fireworks noise can make your pets flee for quieter quarters, so take steps to protect them. Keep them inside and turn on the TV or radio to mask the fireworks blasts. If your pet runs away, check for them at the nearest shelter on Thursday or look for them on the county’s animal services website at sddac.com.

Weather

The daytime high in San Diego on the Fourth of July will be 67 degrees, about four degrees below normal, says the National Weather Service. Many inland areas will be in the mid-70s. Monsoon moisture is not expected.

Beach

Arrive early and expect lots of people for what is “our biggest beach day of the year,” said San Diego lifeguard Lt. Greg Buchanan. Also be prepared for strong rip currents and stingray strikes if you go in the ocean. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore and wave to lifeguards for help. To avoid stingrays, shuffle your feet in the water.

Travel

More than 3 million Southern California residents are expected to take a Fourth of July trip, a 5.2 percent increase from 2011’s 2.88 million travelers, according to a survey by the Automobile Club of Southern California. San Diego is the top destination for Southern Californians for July 4; worldwide, it’s the number three choice for travelers, based on hotel bookings on Priceline.

Gas prices

Independence Day travelers can expect to pay less at the gas pump than a year ago.

A gallon of regular-grade gasoline in San Diego sold Monday for $3.72 on average, down six cents from the previous year, according to the AAA daily fuel gauge report. The California average was $3.75, down four cents.

Gas prices nationwide — now averaging $3.33 a gallon — are at their lowest levels in nearly six months. Oil prices have fallen 16 percent this year.